Outlet shopping in Malaga

THE OWNERS of Plaza Mayor have been told to build two more motorway lanes before opening their planned luxury outlet.

The Highway Development Unit has demanded the MA-20 be double in capacity in the direction of Torremolinos to avoid excessive queues reaching the new McArthurGlen Designer Outlet. Work on the almost €3 million road project could begin as soon as April and have been given a five month deadline.

Sonae Sierra and McArthurGlen, Plaza Mayor’s promoters, have also been told to build a new access road and roundabout to reduce congestion. Currently, queues are commonplace nearly every weekend, with drivers often taking to the hard shoulder to access the Plaza Mayor site, which also houses Ikea, Bricomart and McDonalds.

Two further lanes will now be added for 1.8 kilometres between the Guadamar roundabout and Torremolinos. One lane will go directly to the outlet and another onto the roundabout, meaning drivers trying to reach Plaza Mayor do not have to give way.

It is anticipated the works will begin April and end in mid-October, when the new outlet is also due to open. Malaga Council has made it clear the outlet will not be allowed to open until the works are complete.